Zoos: Necessary or Not?
Zoos Necessary or Not?
We humans have the ability to pass down crucial information to the next generation through zoological parks, or zoos. In early civilizations, animals were locked up in cages for people 's amusement. The welfare of the animals was poor because people were indifferent to the needs of the animals. According to The Times of India, the first public zoo can be traced back to Egypt in 1500 B.C. under Queen Hatshepsut who collected animals from all over Africa to show her wealth and power(Singapore Zoo Gardens).The Greeks created zoos to study animal behavior. Among one of the Greek Zoo teachers was Aristotle(Hutchins, Michael). However, over the decades zoos have dramatically changed and now include educational programs for conservation and preservation of the habitat and animals and research that focuses mainly on genetic diversity(Bertram, Byran). Thus, zoos are not only necessary for the future survival of species of animals, but it also provides a powerful connection between humans and all animal species.
People who argue against zoos might complain that the habitats of the animals are too small or unnatural, but zoos have changed. Zoos authorized by the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AAZA) have to provide natural habitats with larger living spaces. Landscape immersion is a new way of designing the layout of the exhibits to provide the animals with living conditions that replicate their natural habitat as close as possible(Good Zoo Guide Online). Zoos are able to eliminate improper feeding and inadequate animal exposure complaints by using the landscape immersion approach. Zoo animals live longer than those in the wild because of the research on proper feeding and diets and because the animals are receiving proper veterinary care. Because the animals now have more room, camouflage from zoo visitors is easier, and animal stress levels are reduced(American Zoo and Aquarium Association).
Conserving animals and their habitats is how
We humans have the ability to pass down crucial information to the next generation through zoological parks, or zoos. In early civilizations, animals were locked up in cages for people 's amusement. The welfare of the animals was poor because people were indifferent to the needs of the animals. According to The Times of India, the first public zoo can be traced back to Egypt in 1500 B.C. under Queen Hatshepsut who collected animals from all over Africa to show her wealth and power(Singapore Zoo Gardens).The Greeks created zoos to study animal behavior. Among one of the Greek Zoo teachers was Aristotle(Hutchins, Michael). However, over the decades zoos have dramatically changed and now include educational programs for conservation and preservation of the habitat and animals and research that focuses mainly on genetic diversity(Bertram, Byran). Thus, zoos are not only necessary for the future survival of species of animals, but it also provides a powerful connection between humans and all animal species.
People who argue against zoos might complain that the habitats of the animals are too small or unnatural, but zoos have changed. Zoos authorized by the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AAZA) have to provide natural habitats with larger living spaces. Landscape immersion is a new way of designing the layout of the exhibits to provide the animals with living conditions that replicate their natural habitat as close as possible(Good Zoo Guide Online). Zoos are able to eliminate improper feeding and inadequate animal exposure complaints by using the landscape immersion approach. Zoo animals live longer than those in the wild because of the research on proper feeding and diets and because the animals are receiving proper veterinary care. Because the animals now have more room, camouflage from zoo visitors is easier, and animal stress levels are reduced(American Zoo and Aquarium Association).
Conserving animals and their habitats is how
Cited: African Wildlife Federation Headlines and Highlights. June 28, 2004. American Wildlife Federation. 10/24/13 American Zoo and Aquarium Association. 2006. American Zoo and Aquarium Association. 10/24/13 Bertram, Byran. "Misconceptions about Zoos" Biologist. 2004 51 (4). 10/24/13 Good Zoo Guide Online. Jon Clarke. 2005. Good Zoos.com. 10/24/13. Help for Endangered Animals at Super Zoos and Aquariums. Louis Bignami.2005.Fine Travel. 10/24/13. Hutchins, Michael. "Better Off Dead than Captive Bred?" American Zoo and Aquarium Association. June 2004. 10/24/13. Singapore Zoo Gardens. 2004. Singapore Zoo Gardens Docents. 10/24/13. Zoos.2006.The Humane Society of the United States.10/24/13.